Engine-starting system.



c. F. KETTERING & w. A. CHHYST.

ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MIG. I3. 1915.

1,243,422. Patented 0m- 16, 1917..

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ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. I3. 1915.

1,243,422, Patented (m 16, 1917.

fl ar)? e Qs.

C. F KETTERING & W. A. CHRYST.

ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM.

urucmou man AUG. I3. 1915.

1,243,422. Patented Oct 16. 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5- ly A? F1 -ll g-HBTI vvvv UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. KETTERING AND WILLIAM A. CHRYST, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASS IGNORS TO THE DAYTON ENGINEERING LABORATORIES COMPANY,'.A. CORPORATION OF OHIO.

ENGINE-STARTING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 1 6, 1917.

Original application filed July 14, 1913, Serial No. 778,934. Divided and this application filed August 13, 1915. Serial No.45,4=12.

Z '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES F. KET- annrxc and VVILLIAM A. CnRYsr, citizens of the United States of America, residing at Dayton, county of Montgomery, and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Engine-Starting Systems, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to a system of devices adapted for supplying power to start an engine, and the engine when thus started, is arranged to store up power for similar future starting operations, and this same power source may then be used to supply current for the ignition system of the englue, and for any other purposes which may he desired. 7

That is, in the particular form hereinafter described as embodying our invention, we have provided an automatic starting system, which is particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicles, wherein, an engine forms the power plant, or a part of the power plant, so as to eliminate the manual starting of the engine, and to facilitate the automatic starting thereof.

lVhile this invention is primarily shown and described as being preferably adapted to be employed in connection with automobiles or motor vehicles, it may be readily combined with any type of power driven apparatus or machines, wherein it is neces- .-ar v to apply an initial starting power thereto, in order to bring the normal actuating or driving power of the apparatus or machine into action.

It is among the general objects of this in- \ention to produce novel combinations of mechanisms, and to simplify the structure and assembling thereof, and make their oporation more efiicient for the various purposes and requirements which they are adapted to fulfil.

In accomplishing the above objects, the present invention provides novel means for controlling the different units of the system in a simple and convenient manner, re quiring a minimum amount of attention and skill on the part of the operator.

As has been heretofore stated, the presentinvention has for one of its objects, to Sim-- plify the construction and assembly of the various elements and combinationot" elements, which make up the present invention, and to further simplify and facilitate the application of the system, as a whole, to'the apparatus or vehicles, with which it may be combined.

The above is accomplished in part by employing a portion of-the frame or chassis of the apparatus or vehicle, to which this system is applied, as one side of the various electric circuits included in the system, thus eliminating certain 'of the Wire circuit connections usually employed in systems of this type.

This, of course, results in the reduction of the necessary wiring, and permits the ac complishment of functions necessary to a system of the present type, in a greatly'simplified manner.

Up to the time of the present invention, practically all systems embodying starting devices of the electrical type, such as for instance, as are included in the co-pending application filed September 19, 1912, Serial No. 721,237; and U. S. Patents 1,171,055, issued February 8, 1916, and 1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, comprised in general a source of current, for instance, an accumulator or storage battery, and a motor and a generator, either combined in a single unit or embodied in separate and independent units. The above mentioned units generally have electrical connections between the electric machine, or machines, and the storage battery, and mechanical connections between the said machine or machines, and the engine. together with controlling mechanism which comprises a switch unit for selecting the electrical connections and any suitable means for controlling the mechanical connections. I

Now, it is one of the primary objects of the present invention to simplify this controlling mechanism, and to eliminate certain of the'units of the system, by so constructing, arranging and combmmg other only their own original functions, but also the functions of the eliminated elements or mechanisms.

An instance of one manner in which the above named objects may be accomplished in the present invention is by the elimination of the independent switch unit which is adapted to control the connections between the accumulator and the electric machine. This elimination of the switch is permissible by the novel construction and arrangement of the commutator brushes employed in the electric machine and the means for operating said commutator brushes to accomplish the various functions which were formerly accomplished by the independent switch unit.

The novel arrangement and combination of the brush unit does not interfere with the original and regular functions of the brushes, but simply permits them to perform not only their own function, but the additional functions of the switch.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dynamo-electric-machine, having a plurality of sets of independent field and armature windings, the respective sets of armature windings having independent commutators and-sets of commutator brushes, these commutator brushes being so combined with controlling mechanism that the selection of the set of windings to be operatively connected, may be controlled by the position of the brushes, which is determined by the operation of a controlling mechanism.

Thus, it is possible to have a dynamo-electric-machine embodying separate motor and generator field and armature windings which are connected in turn with independent commutators, and commutator brushes, in combination with controlling mechanism, which will normally maintain one set of commutator brushes in such position as to normally break the circuit connections between this set of field and armature windings, and to establish a circuit through the other set of armature and field windings, this controlling mechanism being preferably so arranged as to operate the displaced brush or brushes. to bring the same into electrical connection with their own commutator, and to concurrently break the other electrical connection which is formed by the brush when in its normal position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electric machine having commutator brushes and'brush-holders automatically movable to compensate for inaccurateassociated structures, such as the uneven surfaces of the commutator, and capable of another operation tov make or break:

certain electrical connection between the battery-and the electric machine.

In the U. S. Patent to Charles F. Ketter ing. No. 1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, it is set forlh that one of the objects of the invention is to secure a preliminary movement of the electric machine, in order to facilitate the shifting of the connections between the saidmachine and the engine, so

as to connect the machine to the engine for starting purposes.

As an illustration of one manner in which this object may be accomplished, the above application and patents set forth the use of a supplemental circuit between the electric machine and the accumulator, of such resistance that only a small amount of current. at a relatively low voltage, would pass from the accumulator to the dynamo-electric-machino. This reduced flow of current from the battery to the electric machine was intended to effect an initial movement of the machine as a motor, and in this way to facilitate the shifting of the connections between the engine and the motor.

Another object of the present invention is to secure this preliminary movement of the electric machine by the operation of a mov able commutator brush, previous to the normal starting operation of the machine. This preliminary movement may be secured without necessarily employing an independent circuit and also without requiring a separate and independent manual operation to secure the desired result.

One manner of accomplishing the above object is to include a circuit interrupter or cut-out relay in the circuit connections be tween the generator and the accumulator. its primary functions being to automatically prevent the current flowing back from the battery to the electric machine, at such times as the voltage across said machine is less than the voltage across the terminals of the battery, and to. provide mechanism, whereby said cut-out relay or interrupter may be closed automatically and previously to the operation. of the controlling mechanism, for effecting the actual starting of the engine.

However, it will appear that various other means may be employed to secure the above result, as for instance, by the insertion of a resistance element in the motor circuit, and having mechanism whereby this resistance element will be maintained in series with said circuit, for a short period of time, as a preliminary to the use of the electric machine for starting purposes, and then having mechanism which will operate to short circuit-said resistance, as soon as the shiftable connections have been actuated, thus permitting the electric machine to be operated as a motor in such a manner as to efiiciently perform its required functions of cranking the engine.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had 10 the accompan ing drawings, wherein preferred forms 0 the present invention are clearly illustrated.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the chassis of an automobile, showing one manner of applying the present invention to vehicles of this type.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing, on an enlarged scale, the engine and electrical machine, with the mechanical con nections for coupling the engine and electric machine together. This view also shows a modified form of the main controlling mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a partly digrammatic and partly structural view of one form of the present invention, the structure of the vehicle and its chassis being eliminated, except for one side frame, for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation of one type of-anelectriomachine which may be advantageously embodied in the present invention, this view also disclosing partly in dotted lines, a preferred form of the controlling mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a view in end elevation of the electric "machine shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the movable commutator brush and holder, together with their associated parts.

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of one of the commutator brushes.

Fig. 8 is a modified form of the structure shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary end elevation of Fig.8.

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are views, partly diagrannnatic and partly structural of modified forms of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive.

Fig. 12 is a View in side elevation of the electric machine disclosed in Fig. 11, certain parts thereof being shown in section for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 13 is a detail plan View of certain of the mechanical structure shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 illustrates a modified form of the brush-holder shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

The present application is a division of our co-pending application, filed July 14, 1.21 Serial No. 778,93 t.

Referring to the drawings, and more especiallyto Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, it will be noted that there is disclosed an auxiliary system for motor vehicles, which is adapted to supply power to start the engine of the vehicle, and at the same time to provide means whereby, when the engine is brought into operation, power will-be stored up to supply current for thelighting and ignition systems as well as for any other purposes which may be desired, as for instance, for s1 iallng. nasmuch as the present inventlon 1s prefcrably adapted to be applied to motor vehicles or other types of vehicles, it will be obvious that the system should be as simple as possible, and at the same time, that the elements thereof should be so constructed and arranged as to give the greatest possible efficiency with the least liability of excessive wear and tear or breakage.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 20 desig natcs the side frames of the chassis, while the numeral 21 indicates the engine, provided with the fiy-wheel 2-2, having gear teeth 23 cut on its periphery. The type of chassis and engine construction shown in the present instance is similar to that manufactured and placed on the market by the Cadillac Motor Car Company, and comprises the usual four. cylinder four cycle engine, adapted to drive through a power transmission contained in the case 26, the various elements of this transmission being controlled by means of a lever 28, which is movable to secure the several different speeds forward, and the reverse speed, in the ordinary manner.

The dynaino-electric-machine, which may be termed the prime mover of the present invention, is designated by the numeral 30, and is adapted to be driven as a generator, during the normal operation of'the engine, by means f the timing gears 31 and shaft 32, as is clearly shown in Fig. 2. i

The location and arrangement of the a v llz mo-cl ectric-machinc is substantially the new shown in the co-pending application oi Charles F. Kettering. filed September 15) 1M2, Serial No. 721,287, and U. S. Patent 1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, but it will be understood that this unit may be located on any partof the machine, the only restriction being that it be in such a position that it will cliiciently perform the desired and intended functions.

The battery 84: is preferably contained in a box or casing located on the running board at the machine. or in any other con venicnt place. In the present type of system, there are no mechanical connectionsbotween the battery and any of the other elcments of the machine. other than the wire ((HJJ'RGCtlOHS, and it will therefore be apparent that the location of the battery box and battery may he made with regard to convenience only.

In practically all types of motor vehicles now in service, the side frames of the chassis are made of steel or alloy metals, which are of low eh-rclrical resistance, and which makes a practicable. ground mass. In view of this fact. the present. invention contemplates what may be termed a single wire system. that is. there will be. a single. wire running from the battery to the electric machine, there making whatever connections may be necessary with different branch wires to conthe dynamo-electricmachine.

duct current from or to the generator and motor, and to supply current for lighting, ignition and other systems. This wire will constitute one side of the main circuit, while the other side of the main and the various branch wire circuits are made through the frame of the machine, which will he termed hereinafter, the mass or ground side of the circuits.

In Fig. 3, there is illustrated an electric machine of what may be termed the dynamoelcctric-machine type, which may have its field and armature windings so arranged and constructed that it may be operated as a generator for the purpose of charging the accumulator or providing current for ignition or lighting purposes, and again, as a motor for starting purposes.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3,

one terminal 41 of the battery 34, is con nected to the frame 20 of the chassis, while the other terminal of the battery leads through the wire 45', directly to the terminal 43, which is secured to but insulated from This wire 45 constitutes what may be termed the common connection between both the motor and generator windings ofth e electric machine and the storage battery.

The lighting system for the automobile may have a wire 46, connected to the wire 45, the various lamps being connected thereto in series parallel, the opposite side of each lamp circuit being connected in turn to the ground or mass connection 20.

A similar arrangement may he applied to the ignition system, which consists of a. wire 47, connected to the wire 45, at the terminal post 43, and leading to the usual induction coil 49, and timer 50, the opposite side of said ignition system being connected to the frame of the chassis, by any suitable connection 53. This construction not only reduces the cost of applying the system to the Vehicle, but it also greatly simplifies and renders more efficient the entire system.

In all electrical systems where there are various wire connections, it is extremely dcsirable to eliminate as many soldered joints,

:or connections, between the different wires,

as is possible, and in the present case, by having the terminal 43 so arranged as to receive not only the wire 45, but also the wire 47, it will be apparent that certain of what would otherwise be soldered connections, have been eliminated, and if desired, other wires such as 46 can be connected at this terminal 43.

In the electric machine disclosed in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the armature and fields are so wound as to constitute what is known in the trade as a series wound motor, and a. shunt wound generator, for the reason stated hereinafter.

Referring to the various diagrammatic figures, it will be noted that the wire 45, which is connected to one terminal of the battery 34, leads to a terminal 43, connected with the frame. of the dynamo-electricmachine. This terminal is. of course, insulated from the frame in any suitable inanner, as by washers 43 and the sleeve 48. The opposite end of the terminal 43 is connected with one end 94 of the heavy or series motor winding 95, and also has a con nection with the comparatively high resist ance wire 52, which leads to the contact plate 53, of the cut-out relay 54, which is included in the generator circuit.

It will be appreciated that when the machine is used as a motor for starting purposes, a high torque effect is required, in order to efliciently crank or turn over the engine, and in the present instance, this high torque effect is secured by employing a series motor, having windings capable of conduct ing a comparatively high amperage at a relatively low voltage.

Onthe other hand, it is equally desirable that the generator which charges the storage battery, should supply current of such an amperage and voltage as will be proper for the battery to receive, and inasmuch as the proper amperage for charging the battery is much lower than the amperage which the battery discharges to the motor for starting purposes, the generator field and armature windings and certain of their circuit connections are of a relatively lower electrical conductive capacity than the motor windings and their connections.

In order that the generator may be operated at a comparatively low speed, and at the same time commence to charge the storage battery as quickly as possible, after it has started to operate, a shunt wound type of machine is employed.

Referring to Fig. 3, the series winding of the motor is connected at one end to the terminal 43, and at the other end with the commutator brush 61, the opposite connnutator'brush 62 being carried by the pivoted brush-holder 63, which is of conductive material, and is grounded by being secured to the generator frame, the ground connection shown in the various figures, being simply illustrated for the sake of clearness.

In Fig. 3, the bruslrholder 63 is shown diagrammatically, but its more exact shape for practical mechanical construction is shown in Figs. 4 and 5, with details as per Figs. '6 and 7.

Referring to said figures, it will be seen that the movable brush-holder 63 is of right angle construction, one arm 63 carrying the brush 62, while the opposite arm 63 is provided at its extremity with a roller 64, against which operates the cam surface 65*, formed on the angle lever 65. This angle lever is" pivotally mounted on the interior of the generator frame, as at 66, and is connected with the rod 67, which extends rearwardly and may be secured in any suitable manner to the bracket of a magnetic latch mechanism 68. i a

The construction and arrangement of this latch mechanism is substantially the same as that employed in the U. S. Patent to Charles F. Kettering, No. 1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, and therefore reference may be made to this application for a more detailed description and illustration of the elements comprising this structure.

In general, the magnetic latch mechanism comprises a bracket and armature pivotally connected with the rod 67 and carries a magnet coil. This bracket, coil and.arma ture are normally loosely mounted on the clutch shaft 69. This coil and armature construction is so arranged that when current is passed through the coil, the armature will be brought into position to engage with a projection or arm which is rigidly fastened to the clutch shaft, thus effectually coupling the ma netic latch unit and consequently the sha t 67 with the clutch shaft 69 and pedal 90, it of course being understood that this rigid arm will be normally in such a position as to oscillate with the movement of the clutch shaft 69, free from engagement with the armature of the magnet.

Now, as soon as the magnetic latch has been operated and the clutch pedal is depressed, the rod 67, which is connected with the magnetic latch, will be drawn rearwardly and the shiftable gearing 91 will be drawn into enmeshment with the armature pinion 92 and the toothed portion 23 of the fly wheel. the rod 67 will also actuate the cam lever 65, so as to permit the spring 105 to initially move the commutator brush out of engagement with the contact plate 80, and thus break the generator or charging circuit, and next to engage with the motor commutator and thus complete the motor circuit.

The sequence of the above mentioned operations will be as follows:

The gearing 91 will be shifted into en gagement with the armature 92, and the toothed portion of the fiy-wheel, previous to the time that the brushholder 63 is moved away from contact plate and the contacting of the movable motor brush with the motor commutator will not take place until after the gearing 91 is properly meshed with the armature pinion and the fiy-wheel.

In certain instances, it may not be desirable to employ the clutch pedal as the main operating element, and in this case, a construction similar to that shown in Fig. 2, may be employed, wherein the shaft 69 will carry an operating pedal 69", which will, in this type of construction, constitute the This rearward movement of.

main operating member for the starting system.

This shaft 69* has fastened upon it a bell crank lever 69 which is directly connected with the shifting rod 67 1 Thus upon pressing the operating pedal 69 the rod 67 is directly and positively operated to shift the starting gears and to change the electrical connections as above stated without the intervention of the magnetic latch arrangement just referredto. But, if desired, this magnetic latch arrangement may be utilized in connection with the pedal 69, so that the pedal only operates the rod 67 when the magnetic latch is operated in the manner described in the aforesaid application.

It ,will, of course, be understood that when this separate operating pedal 69 is utilized for the purpose of shifting the rod 67, the clutch pedal 90 is merely the ordinary clutch pedal for shifting the clutch connection between the engine and the driving gear of the vehicle or between the en glue and the transmission, in the ordinary manner. The first of these forms is shown in Fig. 1, with the clutch pedal for shifting the starting gears; and the other form is shown in Fig. 2, Where the separate operating pedal 69 is used for shifting the starting gears, and the clutch pedal 90 performs its ordinaryfunction as a clutch pedal.

In order to facilitate the assembling of the dynamo-electric-machine and its associated parts, the movable brush'element is mounted upon a rod or bar, see Figs. 5 and 6, which extends transversely across the front of the machine. This rod is made with an extension 101, so that the elements which are carried on the rod may be assem bled thereon, previous to the placing of the rod in the frame of the machine.

- The brushholderitself comprises the tubular body portion 102, through which the above mentioned rod 101 passes. It will be apparent that the locating of the brush 62 in its correct position, relative to the commutator, forms an important feature, inasmuch as if the brush is not located so that the arc of the contacting face corre' sponds to the arc of the commutator, only a portion of the brush will be in contact with the commutator.

This leads to various objections, which tend to reduce the'eificiency of the machine. The manner of locating this brush element, relative to the commutator, comprises a collar 103, which may be secured on the rod 1 101, in any suitable position, by simply tightening the set screw 104;. This collar,

after it is adjusted to properly position the brush, sets as an abutment against which the end face of the brush-holder is pressed, by means of the spring 105, which is mounted between the end of the brushholder and the second collar 103.

This spring not only perfori'ns the ill-11x [ion of maintaining the bruslrlmlder in its correct lateral position, but one end of this spiral spring is connected with the brush holder, and the other end to the collar 103, shown in Fig. 6, so that normally, the spring tends to hold the brush in contact with its commutator, and at the same time, provides a resilient connection so that any wear of either the brush or commutator bars will be compensated for by the action of this spring, in drawing the brush into contact with the commutator.

The cam lever (35 is shown in Fig. 4, in its normal position of charging or of rest; that is, the. movable brush is in such position that it will normally be out of engagement with its commutator. Upon movement of the main operating pedal 90, the

rod 67 moves to the right in Fig. 4, so that the spring 105 will pull the commutator brush downward into engagement with the commutator.

\Vhen the brush-holder is held in its nor mal upward position, a portion of the holder which is adjacent to the brush, will lie in engagement with the contactplate or element S0, and, as will appear hereinafter, the brush-holder itself will form a part of the generator circuit. This contact element 80 is. mounted in any suitable and insulated manner upon the casing and is connected by any suitable lead wire, such as 80 (Fig. 3) to the brush 79.

Corresponding to the field windings of the machine, the armature is of the double wound type, having heavy windings. for motor work, and fine windings which are used when the machine is operating as a generator. These windings are connected to separate and independent commutators, it of course being understood that the motor commutator is larger than the generator commutator, and capable of passing or conducting a greater amount of current.

It is thought that a description of the operation of the system, in connection with the wiring diagram, will clearly bring out not only the structure of the various elements, but also the functions ofeach element separately, and. in combination with.

certain of the cooperating elements.

F orinstance, in Fig. 3, it will be supposed that the system is in position, wherein the engine of the vehicle is at rest. Now, in order to start the engine, it is, of course, necessary to mechanically connect the motor and the fly-wheel or some other equiva lent part of the engine together, and it will also be understood that the series windings of the motormust be brought connections with the battery.

In systems of the type wherein the mechanical connections between the motor and the engine comprise a shiftable gearing,

into electricalit is advisable that some means he provided in. alinement with the end faces of the teeth of the armature pinion, or flywheel, some meals will be provided to move the cooperating gear wheels in such a manner that they will assume the proper position, for coupling purposes.

It will also. be understood that because of the fact that the shiiitable or coupling gearing will; be thrown into engagement with the armature. pinion, during this initial movement thereof, that the armature and its pinion should be operated at a comparatively slow speed, and with low torque efi'ect.

One manner of securing this result is to so arrange the electrical connections between .the. batteryand the generator Windings of the machine that-current can flow from the battery through said windings, and thus operate the machine as a motor, through the generator windings.

However, the generator circuit connections embody an element known as a cut-out relay, which normally constitutes an automatic switch, controlled by the Voltage oi the battery and the generator, thatis, this switch or cut-out relay is so constructed and positioned that when the voltage across the battery terminals is greater than the voltage across the generator brushes, the switch will automatically operate to break the generator circuit, thus preventing the battery from discharging back through the generator windings.

It is therefore necessary, to provide some means for closing this-automatic switch or cutting out the effect of the same, at such times as the machine is to be operated as a motor, by use of the generator windings as a preliminary to the actual starting opera tion.

In Fig. 3', this latter effect may be secured by depressing the pushbutton 7 0, to close the contact plates 71- and 72-, thus permitting a. flow of current fromthe battery 34, through Wire 45, to point 48, wire 75, through plates 71 and 72, Wire 73, wire 74, through the shunt field windings 76, to g-round ,and also through wire 74, across the generator brushes T8 and 79, contact plate 80-, through the brush-holder 63 cat the motor brush, to ground.

The closing of the circuits in the manner described above, wil l cause the machine to operate as a motorand initially at a slow speed, and with a light torque effect.

As soon as the push button has thus been depressed, the main operating member or clutch pedal 90, shown in Fig. 1, is thendepressed so that the shaft 69, Fig. 1, is rocked, and the rod 67 is moved in the direc tion of the arrow 85, Fig. 3. This will cause .an enmeshment of the coupling gearing 91,

.into coupled position to connect the engine and motor together.

Continued movement of the rod (5'? in the same direction will allow the spring 105 to move the brush 62- still farther downward into engagement or contact with the motor commutator 93. The following circuit connections will therefore be established. F rom the battery 34;, through wire 5L5, wire 94, series winding 95, across the motor brushes 51 and 62-, to the ground connection established by the brush-holder 63. The operation of the machine as a motor, when the coupling gearing has been thrown into con-- pledposition, will instantly tend to crank or turn over the engine, thus having the same effect on the engine to bring the same into self operation, as the well known method of manual cranking.

Assoon as the engine begins to operate under its own power, the operator releases the pressure from the clutch pedal 90, and by any suitable arrangements of springs or similar devices, the rod 67, together with the coupling gearing 91 and the pivoted brush-holder 63, will be returned to the position shown in FigsS and 4. Such an arrangement of spring device is shown in Fig. .1, wherein the mechanism just back of the flywheel is broken away to reveal the ordinary clutch spring 31, as likewise explained in the application, Serial Number 721,237, above referred to.

This spring 31 is the strong spring customarily used to force the engine clutch members into engaging position, and it is this spring which opposes the downward pressure on the clutch pedal. 90, and likewise restores the clutch pedal 99 to normal position.

Of course, if a separate operatin member 69" is used, as explained with reference to Fig. 2, any suitable spring device can be similarly used to restore the pedal 69 to normal position as just explained.

Such a spring is not shown in the drawings, but it is of course obvious that it may be attached at any convenient place to operate as described.

However, if the operator maintains the main operatingmmember in depressed position after the engine becomes self operating, a clutch mechanism similar to that shown in the U. S. patent to Charles F. .Kettering No. 1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, which is interposed between the gear wheel 91 and 91", will permit the gear wheel 91 to run free with the :fly-wheel, independent of the wheel 91. and the armaturci By referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that the timing gears 31 ofthe engine are connected to the shaft 32, which in turn has aroller or friction clutch connection with the armature shaft. This clutch connection may be of any suitableconstruction. such as is shown in my co-pendingapplication filed September 19, 1912, Serial No. 721,237, and U. S. Patent bio-1,150,523, issued August 17, 1915, and therefore, no detail showing or description thereof will be made. By means of this clutch arrangement, as soon as the engine is started and its speed increased, the clutch picks up the armature shaft so that the engine then drives the enerator through the timing gears 3.1,51686 clutch connections and the ratios of gearing connections between the engine and the dynamo-electric-machine beingas set forth in said applications, to. which reference may be had for more detailed-description. 9

As soon as the shiftable gearing has been moved out of engagement with the fly-wheel and armature pinion, the machine will be driven as a generator, by the operation of the timing'gears, and as soon as the speed thereof is sufficiently increased, an out-put of required voltage will be generated and thus effect the charging of the storage battery.- V 3 Referring to Fig. 3, the circuit connections for the machine, when operating as a generator, will be as follows;

From the generator brush 78, through wire 7%, through the shunt field winding 76, to ground and through the branch wire 74, through the fine winding 96 of the cut-out relay or interrupter, to the ground connec tion thereof with the generator frame. The other generator-brush 79 is connected by wire 80 to contact plate 80 and this to the brush holder 63 which is grounded as at 113.

Now, as soon as. the current has built up sufficiently to energize the core of the cutout relay, so as to attract the armature 97 to a position to close the contacts 98, the current will fiow through the heavy winding 99, armature 97, contact points 98, contact plate 53, wire 52, to the common connection or wire 15, to the battery and across the battery to ground connection 41.

In Figs. 8 and 8 there is shown a slightly modified form of the electric machine, and certain of the cooperating. elements from that shown in Figs. 4: and 5.

In Fig. 8, the operating mechanism for permitting the movable brush-holder 63 to contact with its commutator and the gear shifting mechanism, is shown in such a position that the brush-holder is in its downward position, thus breaking contact with the plate 80 and the coupling gearing 91 is enmeshed with the armature pinion 92 and the toothed portion of the flywheel.

For the proper operation of these parts, the first thing which should occur is to have the shifting of the rod 67 bring the gear 91 in mesh with the pinion 92 of the armature. In Fig. 3 it has already been described how the pushing in of the push button 70 causes the slow turning of the motor and of the armature pinion 92. This slow turning, of course, assists in the enmeshment of the gear 91 with the pinion 92, by preventing the conflict oi' the teeth when the gear 91 is shifted into mesh with the teeth of the pinion 92. Then, immediately thereafter, the gear wheel 91, in its lateral movement (to the right in Fig. 8) goes into mesh with the toothed portion 23 of the fly-wheel.

Similarly, if the parts are stopped so that the teeth of the gear wheel 91 rest in position to conflict with the teeth of the fly-wheel, this slow turning movement will move the teeth of the gear wheel 91 out of alinement, so that they can be brought into proper alinement to mesh with the toothed portion 23 of the flywheel.

Thus, this shifting of the rod 67 has now connected up the motor to the flywheel of the engine, ready for starting. But, during this time, it is necessary that the contact should be closed by the brush-holder 63 pressing up against it, so as to complete the generator circuit to permit the machine to operate as a motor at this slow speed described, However, this maintaining the contact closed is necessary only for such period of time as will make sure that the gear wheel 91 has properly started into mesh with the armature pinion 92 and the fly-wheel gearing. Of course, the contact 80 might be maintained closed until the gear wheel 91 had just started into engagement with the teeth 23 of the fly-wheel, but this may not be essential because it is only desired to give just enough starting movement to the motor pinion 92 and gear wheel 91 to make such that the starting gears can be shifted Without blocking of the teeth.

This momentary holding closed of the contact point 80 therefore takes place while the rod 67 is shifted slightly to the right in Fig. 8, and this does not allow the brushholder 63 to drop away from the contact 80, on account of the rounded face on the outer end of the arm 65. The initial position of this arm is shown in Fig. 4:, wherein the brush is held against the contact 80. Then, as the rod 67 shifts to the right, there is a slight dwell of the cam arm against the roller 64, so as to hold the brush in contact with the plate 80. Then, a further movement of rod 67 causes the flattened portion 65' of the arm 65 to be brought opposite the roller 64. This then allows the brushholder to drop, assisted by the spring 105.

This shifted position is shown in Fig. 8, where the brush-holder is moved down into contact with its armature. When the brush is thus in contact with its commutator, the motor circuit is now closed ready for starting, the generator circuit having been broken by breaking the contact at the point 80.

The parts are now in position ready for starting the engine.

As soon as the engine does start, it will pick up speed and the clutch pedal is then released so as to shift the rod 67 back again to its normal position shown in F ig. 4;, whereupon the starting gears are brought out of mesh and the brushholder brought back to close the contact at the point 80, thus breaking the motor starting circuit and closing the generator circuit, so that the engine will now operate the electric machine as a generator, to charge the storage batteries.

Referring to Fig. 10 of the drawings, the electrical circuits and arrangements are similar to those heretofore described in connection with 3, with the exception that the push button circuit for securing the preliminary operation of the machine as a motor, at a slow initial speed, is eliminated and a new circuit arranged which bridges the contact points of the cutout relay. In this figure, it will be seen that the wires 108 and 109 are connected directly with the contact plates 53 and 97 of the cut-out relay, at one end, and with the contact plates 110 and 111 at their opposite end, respectively. The free ends of the plates 110 and 111. carry contact points and the outer plate 110 is of spring construction, normally tending to make contact with the inner plate 111. But plate 110 has a downward extension engaged by an arm 112. carried by the shifting rod- 67. This arm 112 holds the contact plates 110 and 111 apart. But when the rod 6'7 is shifted to the left in Fig. 10, for starting the engine, the contacts 110 and 111 are connected.

When this operation occurs, the flow of current will be as follows: from the battery 34, through wire 45, wire 52, contact plate 53 of the cut-out relay, wire 108, contact plates 110 and 111, wire 109, and thence to the heavy winding 99 of the cut-out relay 54, down through the shunt field 76 of the generator to ground: also through the wire 74, across the brushes 78 and 79, contact plate 80. and thence through the motor brush-holder 63, to the ground connection 113.

From the above description, it will appear that only a single movement is necessary to complete the starting operation of the dynamoelectric-machine. That is, the following functions will be accomplished by the single complete movement of the main operating member 69 shown in Fig. 2.

On the first movement of the rod 67, the projection or finger 112, carried by the rod will retreat from thecontact plate 110', and permit the same to spring into engagement with the plate 111. This movement of'the rod 67 will not eflfect the position of the brush-holder because of the delayed movement of the brush-holder, caused by the dwell on its operating cam, as previously explained with reference to Figs. 4 and 8.

Upon a further movement of this rod 67 the gear connection between the armature pinion and the fly-wheel will first be established as already explained. And then,the'

still further movement of the rod 67 will allow the motor brush-holder 63 to mov'eoiit of engagement with the plate 80 and into engagement with the motor commutator, '-thus breaking the generatorcircuit and es the ordinary clutch pedal "90 is used, as

depression of the push button 70, so that by this means, the clutch pedal can be used for its ordinary purposes, without always operating the starting mechanism.

Whereas, if a separate operating member,

such as 69,shown in Fig. 2, is utilized, then this separate operating member has no other function than that of operating the starting devices, and this member 69 could then be utilized in its preliminary movement to effect the slow initial movement referred to.

In Fig. 9, there is illustrated a still further modified means for securing the prelininary operation of the electric machine as a motor, prior to its actual starting operation. In this modified form, a mechanical means, such as the rod 120, is slidably mounted on the rod 67, and so arranged that the lug 120* normally forces said arm 120 into such position that its free end lies adjacent to but spaced apart from the armature'97 of the cut-out relay. This rod is held in its normal. position against the tension of the spring 120". The function of this spring is to draw the arm 120 to the left, in Fig, 10, as soon as the rod 67, carrying the lug 120, is moved to the left.

A further modification illustrated in this view is the arrangement of the movable brush-holder, relative to the pair of contact plates which form a part of the generator circuit. In this instance, the movable brushin connection with normal position, it tends to breakthe' motor circuit and to make the generator circuit, by closing the contact plates 128 and 129.

The flow of current through the motor connections, for starting, in the form shown in Fig. 9, will "be as follows: from the battery 34:, through the wire 45, through the wire 94, series'winding 95, across the brush 62, through the, armature to the brush 61, and thence to"the"frame of the machine, through the wire connection 125.

When themachineis operating as a generatorythe flow' of current will be as follows from the armature, across the brush 79, through the wire 127, contact plates 12 8 and"l29,- through the"s'hu iit windings 130, andfrom the wire 1t27, to the fine winding 96 of the"cut-'o'ut relay,",via wire 131. Now, as soon as the r lay builds up sufiiciently to attractthe armature 97, the contact plate 58 will be engaged by the armature and the circuit closed through the wire 52, back to the battery, via wire -15, across the battery to'the'frame' of the machine and thence back to the armature, via wire 134.

' The mechanical connection 120, which-is adaptedtobe operated to close the cut-out relay isprovided with an insulated head portion" 121, which is' so arranged that it will engage with the armature of the cut-out relay, under thefeflect of the spring 120 which becomes effective as soon as the rod 67 is drawn rearwardly.

It will? of course be apparent that the movable motor, brush must be insulated both from'the cont-act plates 129 and 128,

and fromthefop erating rod 67,

When a machine or system of the type shown in Fig. 9 is employed, the successive operations of the various elements or, units will beas follows: v

For instance, when it is desired to operate the machine as a motor, for starting purposes, the main operating member 69, see Fig. 2, will be clepressedin such a manner as to draw the rod 67 in the direction of the arrow 85 and the initial movement of this rod 67 will permit the spring 120 to gear Wheels being effected durin the slow movement of the armature descri ed above, inasmuch as this slow movement of the armature will pick up the gearing 91 and prevent the blocking of the gear wheels by the alinement of the teeth of the gear wheel 91' and the pinion 92.

Upon; a still further movement of the rod 67, the brush-holder 12 1 will be pulled downwardly by the spring 105 into engagement with the motor commutator and thus establish the motor circuit.

However, as soon as this brush-holder is drawn downwardly, the contact plates 128 and 129 will be separated by the resilient action of the plate 129, which is preferably made of spring material, the normal tendency thereof being to lie spaced apart from the contact plate 128, so as to break the generator circuit. It will be understood that when the brush-holder is in its raised position, it maintains these contact plates in contact making position, against the resiliency of-the plate 129.

Vhenfthe engine has become self-operatin'g', t1ie main operating member 69 will be released and will return to its normal position in the usual manner, and consequently cause a return movement of the rod 67 in the direction of the arrow 85, shown in Fig. 9. This return movement of the rod 67 will move the gearing 91 so as to disconnect the engine from the motor and will also cause the release of the armature 97 of the cut-out relay, by moving the arm 120, and it will furthermore actuate the brush-holder 124 so as to break the motor ci'r'c'uit and to close the contact plates 129 and 128,. to establish the generator circuit.

In Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14, a still further modified form for securing the slow initial movement of the motor, preliminary to its actual starting operation, is set forth. In this orm, the movable motor brush-holder is divided into two elements 139 and 1 10, insulated from each other, and capable of independent movement to a certain degree. Instead of passing the current through the generator windings in this instance, to secure a slow initial operation of the armature, the motor winding itself is employed, but is provided with a resistance element 14-1 which is placed directly in series with the motor circuit. This resistance element may madeof any suitable material, such as ni'chr'ome wire, and is positioned between the .two insulated portions 139 and 140 ofthe brush-holder. If desired, this resistance unit may constitute a spring 141', as is shown in Fig. 12, and thus normally maintain the independentelements of the brushholder in spaced relation, Or as is clearly shown in Figs. 11 and 14, a separate and independent spring 1 15 may be employed,

the resistance unit 141 being entirely separate from the spring element.

The portion 139 of the brush-holder is provided with an angle arm which carries a roller 150, positioned inthe slot 151 formed in one end 152 of the lever 153.

The operation of the type of machine or system shown in Figs. 11 and 12 will be as tollows:

When it is desired to operate the machine as a motor for starting purposes, it is simply necessary to depress the main operating member, shown at 69 in Fig. 2. The depression of this main operating member will draw the rod 67 rearwardly in the direction of the arrow 67, shown in Figs. 11 and 12, and this will first effect the coupling .up ofthe electric machine as a motor to the engine, by enmeshing the gearing 91- with the pinion 92. and the toothed portion 23 of the fiy-wheel.

It will be understood, however,- that the engagement of the above mentioned gearing will not take place until after a slow initialmovement has been imparted to the armature of the machine.

Inthis. modified form, the initialoperation of the machine as a motor is secured by the operation of the movable motor brush, in suchamanner that the first movement will tend to break the generator circuit bythe movement-of the arm- 139 er -from: the) contact 80, and also the movement *Of'hllfil: This will.

arm 140 toward the armature. place the brush-holder in such apositi-on as to break not only the generator circuit, but also the motor circuit, thus leaving a time interval when both the motor and generator circuits will be broken. However, upon a continued movement, the motor bru-sh- 62 will be brought into engagementwith the motor commutator, and this, of course, will establish the motor circuit.

However, as soon as the brush 62 engages with its motor commutator, the motor oil"- cuit willbe completed "for the :slow initial movement. It will now be obvious by re fer-ring to Fig; 11 that all current flowing. through this circuit must necessarily pass through the resistance element 141, inasmuch as the spring 1 11 shown in Fig. 11 is of insulating material. On a continued movement ofthe. rod 67 in the direction of the arrow 67*, see Figs. 11 and 12 the pol" tion 139 of the brush-holder will be depressed further, relative to both the comnrutator and to the portion 140 of the brushhol'der, inasmuch as it is impossible for thisand-thus a full flow of current through the motor circuitwill 'be permitted. In Fig. 12, it will be noted that the separate resistance unit 141 is" eliminated by combining the resistance unit directly with the spring. This simply requires that the spring be made of any suitable resistance material, 'to perform the required functions ofboth the spring and the resistance unit. In Fig. 13, the spring 105 will assist'in bringing the motor brush down into contact with the motor commutator.

While the form of mechanism herein shown and described constitutes a preferred form of embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that other'forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which .follow.

What we claim is as follows:

1. In 'a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electric-machine, adapted to operate as a motor for starting purposes, and as a generator for charging purposes; a source of current having motor and generator circuit'connections with said electric machine, including commutator brushes; and means for operat-' ing one of said brushes to selectthe motor circuit connections and to break the generator circuit connections during the starting operation.

2. In a starting devicefor engines, the combination with arien'gin'e and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electric-machine adapted to operate as a motor for starting purposes and as a generator forcharging purposes; a source of current having independent motor and generator circuit connections with said electric machine, including commutator brushes, one of said commutator brushes being normally positioned to complete the generator circuit and to break the motor circuit.

3. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an en ine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electric-machine adapted to operate as a motor for starting purposes and as a generator for charging purposes; a source of current having independent motor and generator.

circuit connections with said electric machine, including commutator brushes, one of said commutator brushes being normally positioned to complete the generator circuit and to break the motor circuit; and means operable relative to said brush to break the generator circuit and to make the motor circuit for starting purposes.

4. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-e1ectric-machine, adapted to operate as a motor for starting purposes and as a generator for charging purposes; a source of current having motor and generator circuit connections with said electric machine, including commutator brushes, one of said brushes being normally positioned to break the motor circuit and make the generator circuit; shiftable coupling means for connecting the electric machine as a motor to the engine for starting purposes; and a main operating member operable relative to said coupling means to disconnect the engine and motor and to break the electrical connection between the source of current and the motor and establish the generator connections.

f5. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising an electric machine; operable as a motor for starting and as a generator for charging purposes, mechanical connections operable to connect said machine and engine together for starting and generating purposes; a source of current; motor and generator circuit con nections between said source of current and the electric machine; commutator brushes for said machine, included in said circuit connections; and means operable to normally maintain one of said brushes in position to open the motor circuit connections, and to disengage the mechanical connections used for starting purposes.

'6. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo electric machine operable as a motor for starting and as a generator for charging purposes, and including motor and generator circuits having commutator brushes; a source of current; 'circuit connections between said source of current and the electric machine; and means operable to maintain one of the commutator brushes in position to establish the generator circuit when in normal position, but operable to break this circuit and to establish the motor armature circuit during the starting operation.

7. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo electric machine operable as a motor for starting and as a generator for charging purposes, and havmg motor and generator armature windings; a source of current; circuit connections between said source of current and the electric machine; a plurality of commutator brushes for said machine connected to the motor and generator armature windings; and means for maintaining one of the commutator brushes in one position to select the motor armature winding and in another position to select the generator armature winding.

8. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a. dynamo-electric-machine adapted to operate as a motor for stai'tingpurposes, and as a. generator for charging purposes; a source of current having motor and generator circuit. connections with the electric machine, including commutator brushes, one of. said brushes being normally positioned to break. the motor circuit and make the generator circuit; means for mechanically connecting the electric machine as a motor to the engine for starting purposes; and a main operating member having .a sequence of operations to initially close certain of said circuit connections to operate the electric machine as a motor. at a, slow initial. speed; and secondly to effect the shifting of the coupling means to mechanically connect the electric machine to the engine; and thirdly to operate relative to the displaced brush to permit the same to break the generator circuit and to make the motor circuit.

9. In. a. starting devicefor engines, the onibiimtion with. an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electrio-machine, adapted-to operate as a mo tor for starting purposes, and as a genera tor for charghig purposes: a source of current having motor and generator circuit connections with the electric machine, including conm'iutator brushes, one of said brushes bein normally positioned to break the motor circuit and make the generator circuit; means for mechanicallv connecting the electric machine as a motor to the engine for starting purposes; and a main operating member having a sequence of op crations to init-iallv close certain of said circuit connections to operate the electric machine as a motor, at a slow initial s cod, and secondly, to effect the shifting o the coupling means to mechanically connect the electric machine to the engine.

1.0. In an electric system, the combination with independent sets of field and armature windings; independent sets of commutator brushes for said windings; and means for maintaining one of said sets of commutator brushes out of electrical connection with its set of windings and establishing electrical connection through the other set of windings, and operable to make said first set of connections and to break the last. named circuit connection.

11. In an electrical system, the combination with a dynamo-electric-machine, having independent sets of field and armature windings; independent commutators for each set of armature windings; a set of brushes for each of said comn'iutators; and means for moving one of the commutator brushes to select the windings to be brought into operation.

12. In an electrical system. the combination with a dynamoelectric-machine, having a plurality of independent sets of field and armature windings; of an independent commutator connected with each of said windings; a set of commutawr brushes for each of said commutators; and means normally maintaining one of said brushes in position to break the electrical connections with one of said sets of windings and to establish electrical connection with the other set of windings.

13. In an electrical system, the combination with a dynamo-electric-machine, having aplurality of independent sets of field and armature windings; of an independent commutator connected with each of said windings; a set of commutator brushes for each of said con'nnut-ators; and means normally n'iaintaining one of said brushes in position to break the electrical connections with one of said sets of windings and to establish electrical connection with another set of. windings, and operable to establish the first named electrical cormect-ions and to break the electrical connections with the other set of windings.

14.. In an engine starting system, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electrio-machine, having motor and generator windings; a common armature; independent motor and generator windings mounted thereon; a source ofcurrent; motor and generator circuits connected to the source of current and the respective windings of the machine; independent sets of commutator brushes connected with the said windings; and means for normally maintaining one of the brushes in position to break the motor circuit, and to establish the generator circuit.

15. In an engine starting system, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electricmachine, having a common armature, with independent motor and generator windings mounted thereon; a source of current; motor and generator circuits connected to the respective windings of the machine; independent sets of commutator brushes connected with the said windings; means for normally maintaining one of the brushes connected with'the motor circuit in position to break the motor circuit, but to establish the generator circuit; and means operable relative to the. displaced brush to close. the motor circuit and to break the generator circuit throughout the use of the machine as a motor.

16.. In an electricalsystem, the combination with a source of current, and a dynamoelectric-machine; motor and generator circuit,connections between said source of current and machine; a common armature mounted on said machine and having independent motor and generator windings mounted thereon; independent sets of brushes connected to the motor and generator windings, and adapted to contact with said armature; and means for normally maintaining one of the motor brushes in position to break the motor circuit and to make the generator circuit and operable to release the motor brush to break the generator circuit and make the motor circuit.

17. In an engine starting device, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electricmachine, a storage battery having electrical connection therewith; means included in said electrical connection, comprising an automatic current interrupter, adapted to break the circuit connection between said electric machine and battery, when the voltage of the electric machine is less than the voltage of the battery; and mechanical means for operating said automatic current interrupter, to permit current to flow from the battery to the generator windings of the electric machine, to operate the machine as a motor, as a preliminary to the actual starting operation.

18. In an engine starting device, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a dynamo-electricmachine; a storage battery having electrical connection therewith; means included in said electrical connection, comprising an automatic current interrupter having an armature adapted to break the circuit connection between said electric machine and battery, when the voltage of the electric machine is less than the voltage of the battery; and mechanical means for operating said armature to close the circuit connections, whereby current will flow from the battery to the electric machine, to actuate the same as a motor.

19. In an engine starting device, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a motor and a generator; means for mechanically connecting the engine and the motor; an accumulator Coples 0! this patent may be obtained (or five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Washington, D. 0.

adapted to be electrically connected with the motor and the generator; and means for normally dis-establishing the electrical connection between the accumulator and the motor, and establishing connection between the accumulator and the generator; and a current interrupter for maintaining the generator circuit open, at such times as the voltage across the generator is less than the voltage across the battery terminals; a main operating member for controlling the mechanical connections between the motor and the engine, and having provisions for mechanically operating the automatic current interrupter to permit a flow of current from the battery to the generator, to operate the machine as a motor through the generator windings.

20. In an engine starting device, the combination with an engine and a starting de vice therefor comprising a dynamo electric machine operable as a motor for starting purposes and as a generator for charging purposes; shiftable means for mechanically connecting the engine and electric machine; of a source of current; motor and generator circuitconnections between said source of current and the electric machine; means for opening the generator circuit connections when the engine is at rest; a plurality of commutator brushes for the electric machine and means for maintaining one of said brushes in position to normally break the motor circuit and to form a part of the generator circuit; and means for closing the generator circuit and to shift the mechanical connections previous to the starting operation, whereby the electric machine will operate at slow speed as a motor during the shifting of the mechanical connections.

In testimony whereof we afiix our signatures, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES F. KETTERING. WILLIAM A. CHRYST. Witnesses:

WALTER W. RIEDEL, O'r'rrs D. MOWRY.

Patents, 

